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19 Mar 2026, 12:46

XRP treasury firm Evernorth discloses $233.7 million impairment on holdings in SPAC filing

The company reported a $233.7 million digital asset impairment for 2025, reflecting the gap between purchase prices and lower market values.

19 Mar 2026, 12:45

XRP accumulation spikes as whales grab 200m tokens in 2 weeks

XRP whales have stealthily accumulated in the past two weeks, thereby helping the token’s value to grind as much as 20%, before retracing to trade about $1.46 on March 19. In early March, XRP whales held about 10.88 billion tokens, which were valued at around $14.57 billion, but have since increased their holdings to 11.10 billion units, worth approximately $16.24 billion, as per metrics from Santiment , an on-chain analytics platform, computed by Finbold. XRP held by whales for two weeks. Source: Santiment As such, this token’s value gained bullish momentum in the past two weeks, after moving from $1.34 to $1.46 at press time, hence potentially ending its multi-week choppy trend. Furthermore, this altcoin recently broke out of its supply zone around $1.46, and this level is now its support level. XRP/USD 30D chart. Source: Finbold Can XRP whales guarantee a V-shaped reversal? Although XRP whales have intensely accumulated in the past two weeks, other factors are still weighing this token’s value down, as per analysis from crypto trading expert EGRAG CRYPTO. Moreover, this analyst believes that the token’s price has been trapped in an ascending triangle, with a major resistance range between $1.65 and $1.75. XRP/USD 5D chart. Source: TradingView As a result, the odds of XRP whales guaranteeing a V-shaped reversal will remain thin, if other major triggers are not realized. For instance, this analyst highlighted that the passage of the Clarity Act in the United States will be a massive bullish catalyst. Consequently, the XRP whales will heavily rely on cumulative positive fundamentals to counter bearish forces catalyzed by the four-year cycle, which indicates a macro bear market. Robust fundamentals for XRPL to consider The XRP bullish outlook is bolstered by strong fundamentals that align seamlessly with institutional investors. For instance, amid the notable high demand for this token by institutional investors, Ripple Labs-backed Evernorth filed an S-4 to go public via SPAC, thus seeking to become a Nasdaq-listed XRP treasury company. The post XRP accumulation spikes as whales grab 200m tokens in 2 weeks appeared first on Finbold .

19 Mar 2026, 12:44

XRP Price Faces Short Term Pressure as Death Cross Forms

XRP death cross is confirmed on hourly chart as bears triggers a correction from $1.50.

19 Mar 2026, 12:42

Crypto mining takes back seat as Russia drafts legislation to regulate AI

Russia is now offering preferential treatment for data centers involved in AI development, including reduced electricity rates, state funding, and tax breaks. New legislation prioritizing the use of computing power for artificial intelligence applications may limit available resources for crypto mining. It comes as a growing number of miners globally shift toward AI in pursuit of greater predictability and profits. Russia puts out bill designed to regulate AI Russia’s Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media has released a draft law designed to regulate artificial intelligence (AI) in the country. The document, which was published Wednesday for public consultations until mid-April, aims to establish clear rules for AI developers and businesses in the coming months. It also seeks to limit risks associated with the new technology by introducing specific requirements for AI systems that will depend “on the degree of their impact on human life and society.” With the new legislation, set to enter into force by September next year, Russia is betting on artificial intelligence, as reported by the Interfax news agency and the business news portal RBC. The bill defines it as “a set of technologies that can simulate human cognitive functions, including self-learning, and produce results comparable to or superior to human ones.” It classifies AI models into three categories based on their origin and level of trust – sovereign, national and trusted – as detailed in a previous report by Cryptopolitan. The legal framework determines the rights and obligations of all parties involved in the development and use of such solutions and services. It also protects Russian citizens from hidden manipulation and discriminatory algorithms, while blocking illegal content and unauthorized use, the digital ministry noted in a statement. “All audiovisual materials created using AI must contain a special warning label,” the announcement unveiled, adding that social networks will be obliged to check for its presence, label or remove content. AI gets preferential treatment over crypto mining The authors of the draft law have paid particular attention to ensuring the availability of computing infrastructure necessary to underpin the development of AI in Russia. The government in Moscow will approve a list of data processing centers (DPCs) designated for the needs of artificial intelligence and these will enjoy certain benefits. The operators of such facilities will be able to enter into long-term agreements for the purchase of electricity at capped rates, lower than the tariffs for other industrial consumers. They will also be connected to the power distribution network with priority and will be exempt from connection fees. The companies running the AI data centers will be granted access to funding from the state budget and offered various tax breaks. All these privileges put the artificial intelligence sector ahead of the crypto mining industry as both compete for the same computing capacities. Russia, a major player in the mining space, legalized the minting of digital currencies like Bitcoin in late 2024 but then started restricting the energy-intensive activity in regions experiencing electricity shortages. Another indication that AI will be prioritized over mining came in the summer of 2025, when media reports revealed that Russian authorities were preparing to ban mining in DPCs. The main motive highlighted at the time was to deny crypto miners the opportunity to claim benefits intended to boost the country’s AI potential, including access to cheap, often subsidized electric power. Russia’s latest push to promote the development of artificial intelligence comes as an increasing number of mining enterprises around the world transition to data processing for AI applications. The shift is often dictated by expectations for higher returns on investments in hardware as well as improved business predictability in comparison with Bitcoin mining. There’s a middle ground between leaving money in the bank and rolling the dice in crypto. Start with this free video on decentralized finance .

19 Mar 2026, 12:40

Oil Price Shock Triggers Alarming Slowdown in US Consumer Spending – TD Securities Analysis

BitcoinWorld Oil Price Shock Triggers Alarming Slowdown in US Consumer Spending – TD Securities Analysis WASHINGTON, D.C. – March 2025: A significant oil price shock is triggering an alarming slowdown in US consumer spending, according to new analysis from TD Securities that examines the complex relationship between energy markets and economic behavior. This development comes as global oil markets experience sustained volatility, creating ripple effects throughout the American economy and raising concerns about broader inflationary pressures. Oil Price Shock Fundamentals and Market Dynamics Global oil markets entered 2025 with considerable uncertainty, following geopolitical tensions in key production regions and shifting supply-demand balances. Consequently, benchmark prices have surged approximately 40% year-over-year, reaching levels not seen since the early 2020s. This oil price shock represents the most significant energy market disruption in recent years, fundamentally altering consumer behavior patterns across the United States. TD Securities analysts documented these trends through comprehensive market monitoring. They observed that gasoline prices have increased by an average of $1.25 per gallon nationwide since January. Furthermore, diesel prices have risen even more sharply, affecting transportation and logistics costs throughout the supply chain. These developments have created a dual pressure system on household budgets and business operations. Consumer Spending Slowdown: Evidence and Patterns Recent economic indicators reveal a pronounced consumer spending slowdown across multiple sectors. Retail sales data from February 2025 shows a 2.3% month-over-month decline, marking the steepest drop in eighteen months. Additionally, discretionary spending categories have experienced the most significant reductions, with entertainment and dining expenditures falling by 4.1% and 3.7% respectively. The transportation sector demonstrates particularly clear impacts. Automobile sales decreased by 8.2% in February compared to the previous month, while public transportation usage increased by 12%. Meanwhile, e-commerce delivery services report growing customer resistance to shipping fees, indicating broader sensitivity to transportation-related costs. These behavioral shifts suggest consumers are reallocating budgets to accommodate higher energy expenses. TD Securities Analysis Methodology TD Securities employed a multi-faceted research approach to examine these economic developments. Their team analyzed point-of-sale transaction data from over 50,000 retail locations nationwide. They also conducted sentiment surveys across diverse demographic groups and examined credit card spending patterns. This comprehensive methodology provides robust evidence of the spending slowdown’s scope and severity. The firm’s economists compared current data against historical oil price shock periods, including the 2008 crisis and the 2014-2016 downturn. Their analysis reveals that today’s consumer response follows similar patterns but with greater digital transaction visibility. Modern payment systems now provide more immediate spending data than previous decades allowed. Inflationary Pressures and Economic Implications Rising oil prices create inflationary pressures through multiple transmission channels. Direct effects include higher fuel costs for transportation and heating. Indirect effects encompass increased production and distribution expenses for virtually all goods and services. The Federal Reserve monitors these developments closely, as energy-driven inflation can become embedded in broader price expectations. Core inflation measures, which exclude volatile food and energy components, have shown concerning upward momentum in recent months. This suggests that oil price increases are beginning to affect broader economic conditions. Producer Price Index data from February indicates intermediate goods costs rose 0.8% month-over-month, signaling potential future consumer price increases. The following table illustrates key economic indicators affected by the current oil price shock: Indicator February 2025 Month-over-Month Change Year-over-Year Change Retail Sales $685.2B -2.3% +1.2% Gasoline Prices $4.35/gallon +8.7% +42.3% Consumer Confidence 96.4 -5.2 points -12.1 points Core Inflation 3.2% +0.3% +0.8% Sector-Specific Impacts and Regional Variations The consumer spending slowdown manifests differently across economic sectors and geographic regions. Transportation-dependent industries experience the most immediate effects, while service sectors show more gradual impacts. Regional variations reflect differing energy infrastructure, public transportation availability, and economic structures. Key sector impacts include: Automotive Industry: SUV and truck sales declined 12% while hybrid and electric vehicle interest increased 28% Travel and Tourism: Domestic flight bookings decreased 15% with increased regional “staycation” planning Retail Sector: Mall foot traffic dropped 18% while essential goods retailers maintained stable sales Food Services: Fine dining reservations fell 22% while delivery and takeout services increased 9% Geographically, rural areas demonstrate greater spending reductions than urban centers, reflecting transportation dependency differences. Southern states with limited public transportation options show retail sales declines averaging 3.1%, compared to 1.8% in Northeastern metropolitan areas. These regional patterns highlight infrastructure’s role in economic resilience during energy price shocks. Historical Context and Comparative Analysis Current conditions share characteristics with previous oil price shock periods while exhibiting distinct modern features. The 1970s oil crises produced more severe economic contractions but occurred in a manufacturing-dominated economy. The 2008 price spike coincided with broader financial system instability, complicating causal analysis. Today’s situation unfolds within a service-oriented, digitally-connected economy with different vulnerability and adaptation patterns. Notably, today’s consumers have more immediate price information and alternative options than previous generations. Digital platforms enable rapid comparison shopping and service substitution. Remote work arrangements, expanded during the pandemic, provide additional flexibility absent in earlier crises. However, increased dependency on delivery services and digital infrastructure creates new vulnerabilities during energy price disruptions. Policy Responses and Market Interventions Government agencies and financial institutions monitor these developments closely. The Federal Reserve considers energy price effects when formulating monetary policy, though their direct tools for addressing oil market dynamics remain limited. Meanwhile, the Department of Energy evaluates strategic petroleum reserve releases, while legislators debate potential consumer relief measures. Financial markets have responded with increased volatility, particularly in energy-sensitive sectors. Transportation and heavy industry stocks have underperformed broader indices by approximately 15% year-to-date. Conversely, renewable energy and efficiency technology companies have attracted increased investment interest, reflecting shifting market expectations about long-term energy transitions. Conclusion The oil price shock is producing a measurable consumer spending slowdown across the United States, with TD Securities analysis providing crucial insights into these economic dynamics. This situation demonstrates the continuing vulnerability of modern economies to energy market disruptions, despite technological advances and efficiency improvements. The spending patterns emerging from this period will likely influence economic policy and business strategy throughout 2025 and beyond, as stakeholders adapt to evolving energy realities and consumer behavior shifts. FAQs Q1: What defines an “oil price shock” in economic terms? An oil price shock refers to a rapid, significant increase in crude oil prices that disrupts normal economic functioning. Economists typically identify shocks as price increases exceeding 30% within a quarter, sustained over multiple months, and affecting broader economic indicators beyond energy markets. Q2: How quickly do oil price increases affect consumer spending? Research shows gasoline price changes affect consumer spending within 4-6 weeks, as households adjust discretionary purchases to accommodate higher fuel costs. Broader economic impacts through supply chains manifest over 2-3 months, as increased production and transportation costs translate to higher consumer prices. Q3: Which demographic groups are most affected by oil price shocks? Lower-income households, rural residents, and transportation-dependent workers typically experience the greatest impacts, as energy costs represent larger portions of their budgets. However, recent analysis suggests middle-income suburban families now show significant sensitivity due to increased vehicle dependency and reduced public transportation options. Q4: How do oil price shocks differ from general inflation? Oil price shocks represent specific commodity-driven inflation that can trigger broader price increases but originate from supply-side energy market disruptions. General inflation reflects overall price level increases across multiple goods and services, often driven by demand factors or monetary conditions rather than single commodity markets. Q5: What historical precedents exist for the current situation? The 1973-74 and 1979 oil crises, the 1990 price spike following Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait, and the 2007-2008 commodity price surge provide relevant historical comparisons. Each period combined unique geopolitical factors with underlying supply-demand imbalances, producing distinct economic outcomes based on contemporaneous economic structures and policy responses. This post Oil Price Shock Triggers Alarming Slowdown in US Consumer Spending – TD Securities Analysis first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

19 Mar 2026, 12:36

Bitcoin tests old 2021 top as gold falls to six-week lows under $4.7K

Bitcoin price correction reversed at $69,500, preserving a new higher BTC trading range as gold led a post-Fed macro asset sell-off.